Lisa Nightingale

The selfless actions of a group of people supporting residents in South Tyneside has earned them a place at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

The Community Corner team, South Tyneside actor Chris Slater and model Harriotte Lane - who supports special needs group the Kayaks - have all beaten thousands of entrants to make it to the finals of the National Diversity Awards 2016.

National Diversity Award nominees Harriotte Lane and Chris Slater.

The prestigious event, taking place at the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool next month, aims to recognise the country’s most inspirational and selfless people.

Community Corner was founded by mum and daughter team Lynn Davis and Cheryl McDonald. The pair run a shop in Edinburgh Road, Jarrow, selling donated goods to raise cash for good causes within South Tyneside, as well as on social media.

To date, they have raised more than £100,000 for good causes.

She said: “We are overwhelmed at being shortlisted for the national diversity awards. We want to say thank you to everyone who nominated us. Win or lose we will be celebrating this huge achievement.

“To think someone has taken the time to nominate me was a really nice feeling.”

Chris Slater

“The whole Community Corner team will be travelling to the awards on the 16th of September so it will be a lovely time for us all together.”

South Tyneside actor, Christopher Slater, a former pupil of Bamburgh School in South Shields, has cerebral palsy, a movement disorder causing physical disability.

But he hasn’t let that stop him pursuing a career in acting on the small screen or supporting and inspiring others living with disability.

The 23-year-old is a big supporter of the KAYAKS (a special needs group for children and young people) based in South Tyneside.

Alongside teen model Harriotte Lane, they have helped the group with their fundraising ventures and offered their time to supporting their activities.

Chris said: “It was a complete shock when I got the letter to say I had been shortlisted. To think someone has taken the time to nominate me was a really nice feeling. To think they have recognised and think I inspire people with what I do - it’s amazing.”

Harriotte added: At first I was shocked someone had taken the time to nominate me. Reading the kind words people had said about me, how I had either helped or inspired them, not just local people either, some nominations are from Europe and USA. I never dreamt I would make the short list.”